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J. Parkerson Jewelers opens on Russell St.

J. Parkerson Jewelers, a new business with familiar faces, hopes to put a new spin on the jewelry market in Starkville.

Gemologist Jamie Parkerson began working as a jeweler at Jeweler's Bench in 1986. After the store closed earlier this year, Parkerson opened his own jewelry store — J. Parkerson Jewelers — in College Park Shopping Center on Russell Street.

"It has always been a dream of mine to own a store," Parkerson said. "I never really thought it would be something with my name on it or anything, but the way it has worked out, I think everything happens for a reason."

J. Parkerson Jewelers sells jewelry, offers custom options and repairs. Parkerson said he has customers who followed him from the old store, and business has been good since opening on Sep. 5.

"My reputation is built on trust," Parkerson said. "I want them to know that I'm going to do the best job possible and they can trust me with their expensive piece of jewelry."

Products on display at the store include the usual for jewelry stores, with a variety of rings, watches, earrings and pendants. There are also a few different items, with highly-customizable rings and a variety of William Henry pocket knives.

"These are high-end knives, too," Parkerson said. "It's not just an everyday thing you're going to be selling, but I wanted to carry something different. I don't want to have something for just one target customer."

Parkerson said having his own shop gives him freedom to reach out on social media and to try new things. One new addition planned for the jewelry shop is a Custom Studio booth, created by Star Gems.

The 42-inch touchscreen equipment gives customers the opportunity to build their own jewelry.

Customers can create their own ring or pendant, show it to Parkerson, and he can have it made.

"I do all of my benchwork and repairs here," Parkerson said. "The custom pieces, I have a company making those for me."

Parkerson has felt welcomed by College Park Shopping Center businesses and shoppers, and said he is enjoying the location — which is closer to the university and farther from Highway 12.